Aqua Tools

Compatibility check

Can Otocinclus and Swordtail live together?

Otocinclus and Swordtail may work, but the rule check found conditions that need careful planning.

caution

Quick answer

Recommended minimum tank for this pair: 30 US gal / 114 L. Keep Otocinclus at 6+ and Swordtail at 3+ where those group sizes are greater than one.

Factor breakdown

Factor Result Explanation
Water type OK Otocinclus is freshwater; Swordtail is freshwater. Compatibility pages are generated only for matching water types.
Temperature OK Temperature overlaps at 22-26 C. Otocinclus is listed at 22-26 C; Swordtail is listed at 22-28 C.
pH OK pH overlaps at 7-7.5. Otocinclus is listed at 6-7.5; Swordtail is listed at 7-8.3.
Hardness OK Hardness overlaps at 10-12 dGH. Otocinclus is listed at 2-12 dGH; Swordtail is listed at 10-30 dGH.
Adult size and predation OK Adult sizes are not an obvious predator-prey mismatch (Otocinclus: 5 cm; Swordtail: 12 cm).
Temperament and aggression Caution Otocinclus is described as peaceful algae grazer; Swordtail is described as peaceful to boisterous livebearer. Watch for bullying, especially in small or sparsely decorated tanks.
Fin nipping risk OK The dataset does not flag this pair as a fin-nipper plus long-finned combination.
Schooling and group needs Caution Plan around full groups, not single display fish. Minimum group sizes: Otocinclus: 6+; Swordtail: 3+.
Explicit avoid tags OK No explicit avoid-tag conflict was found between these two records.
Minimum combined tank size OK Use at least 30 US gallons (114 L) for the pair, based on the larger minimum tank plus bioload and activity adjustments where relevant.

Species profiles

Related compatibility checks

Sources and attribution

Source links are verification references for taxonomy and identifiers. Care values are AI-generated from common hobby consensus and need expert review.